Cognivue

Neglecting to use hearing aids when necessary can prolong the adjustment period to hearing sounds again. Hearing loss is associated with memory decline and is considered a risk factor for dementia. The brain areas responsible for hearing and comprehension weaken with disuse due to hearing loss.

Wearing hearing aids can help maintain the strength of these brain regions and support memory function. Difficulty hearing speech forces the brain to work harder to understand, leaving less energy for memory retention. A recent study in the Lancet suggests that hearing loss is a significant risk factor for dementia and the most preventable one. Dementia, a progressive cognitive condition, lacks a cure, prompting research into identifying risk factors. Kricket Audiology offers cognitive screenings, including Cognivue, a brief test assessing memory, executive function, reaction time, and processing speed.

While not conclusive, Cognivue serves as an early warning system for potential cognitive issues. Integrating Cognivue testing into hearing loss treatment programs aids in early detection and management of cognitive decline. This screening provides independent cognitive health results and a report for further discussion with healthcare providers.

Hearing specialists use Cognivue to accurately measure cognition and identify early signs of dementia, crucial given the connection between dementia and hearing loss. As individuals seeing hearing specialists are at higher risk for dementia, Cognivue plays a vital role in comprehensive hearing checkups.

Cognivue is a quick test lasting roughly five to ten minutes that screens:

• Memory Performance
• Executive Function
• Reaction Time
• Processing Speed

Incorporating Cognivue testing into our hearing loss treatment programs can enhance our ability to comprehensively assess any hearing-related challenges you may be facing. This screening not only aids in the early detection of cognitive decline, but also enables us to better understand the interplay between hearing loss and cognitive health in our patients, leading to more effective solutions for both issues.

The results of the Cognivue screening provide an independent assessment of your cognitive health, separate from your hearing evaluation, along with a detailed report and dataset that can be shared with your healthcare team for informed discussions on managing cognitive risks. By offering a reliable tool for measuring cognition and identifying potential signs of dementia, Cognivue plays a crucial role in the assessment of dementia risk among individuals with hearing impairments, highlighting its importance in routine hearing evaluations.